Martha Firestone Ford, who was the owner of the Detroit Lions for six years, turns 100 years old Tuesday. She was in the locker room following Detroit’s 52-21 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and head coach Dan Campbell gave her a game ball as an early birthday present.
“I’m so proud of you all, and I’m so thankful for this,” Ford told the Lions. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with each game, and (when) I see the results. I think we’ve got a great leader.”
Ford took on ownership of the Lions in March 2014, after her husband, William Clay Ford Sr., passed away at age 88. Each of Martha’s four children — Sheila Ford Hamp, Elizabeth Ford Kontulis, Martha Parke Morse and William Clay Ford Jr. — also held roles within the organization.
Martha stepped down as owner in June 2020. She was succeeded by Sheila, who, seven months into her tenure, teamed up with team president Rod Wood and special assistant Chris Spielman to hire Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
The Lions are 40-29-1 since Campbell and Holmes were brought on, including a 28-8 record since 2023.
rsilva@detroitnews.com
@rich_silva18
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